Every few years, academic circles and state-backed media on the Chinese mainland resurrect the prospect of a “peaceful reunification” under the framework of “One Country, Two Systems.” Recently, cross-strait academic circles discussed a 12-point proposal floated by mainland scholars mapping out a post-unification reality for Taiwan. The proposal suggested timelines for disarmament and local governance structures. It was quickly amplified by Beijing’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office as a sign of growing civil discussion, as highlighted by reports from the Global Times.

To some international observers, these periodic calls to examine a Hong Kong-style governorship for Taiwan sound like a pragmatic compromise to avoid a major global conflict. Proponents point to Hong Kong’s history as a financial hub. They suggest that a multidecade timeline of autonomy could safely bridge the gap between Beijing and Taipei. However, this entire premise ignores the structural and political realities of the region. The legal and military realities of Taiwan make a Hong Kong-style arrangement unworkable for the island’s 24 million citizens.